Modesty--it's more than the hemline being low enough and the neckline being high enough. It's more than steering away from provocative clothing aisle at the mall. It's more than clothes. Although clothing might be there first thing which comes to mind when you hear the word “modesty”-- it really means so much more. We live a culture where there is Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat. We get to say what we are thinking to everyone--in real time. There is very little filter when it comes to our feelings, thoughts, opinions, or complaints. We like to post them, snap a pic, and share with the world. We are seeing a younger generation become more vocal and visual. However, we are also seeing less and less modesty in behavior. As the fashion trends become more provocative so does the conduct. It's important to discuss with your teens what your family's standard for modesty are in dress AND behavior. Here are three conversation starters you can do at home to encourage modesty in your teen:

Who? Ask your teen who do they look up to? Who are their role models? Their answers will help you determine what are their standards as a teenager. This will help get the conversation moving. Remember to listen more than talk. Try to understand why they might be drawn to certain people or personality types.

What? Ask your teen what do they think modesty is when it comes to behavior. Tell them to give you an example about someone who is a modest person and someone who isn't. Understanding what they interpret as modest will help you communicate with them about modesty and help you to discuss your family's values on behavior.

Why? Ask your teen why modesty is important. Whether or not they act modestly doesn't mean they do not understand why it is valuable and honorable characteristic. If they do not act modestly – ask why? And if they are modest – ask why? It's important to discuss it even if they they are modeling modesty.

As parents, it is so important to keep the conversation about modesty alive in your home. If you have never had the conversation about behavior this is the perfect time to start. This conversation is for boys and girls. Modesty in young men is important and should be encouraged. Talk about it today! Don't let society shape their standards for behavior. Let it start with YOU and your family's values!

Teens consistently say that parents—not peers, not partners, not popular culture—most influence their decisions about relationships and sex. That’s right...believe it or not; your teens want to hear from YOU. And that can be a lot of pressure...but it doesn't have to be.

The following eight tips are meant to guide you through a thoughtful, rational, and (hopefully) slightly less awkward conversation with the teens in your life about that most awkward topic: sex

Talk with your child about sex early and often (in age-appropriate ways) and be specific about your family’s values and expectations about sex and dating.

Cultivate a culture of openness in your family—be an ask-able parent and allow your child to share their feelings without fear of reprisal or derision.

Don’t assume that your child’s emotions aren't valid just because they are young.Young people’s emotions are very real so respect your child if they tell you that they are in love.

Listen as much as—or more than—you talk. Your words are important, but equally important is making sure that your child feels that their voice is being heard and respected.

Talk honestly with your child about sex, love, and relationships; you don’t have to be a biology text book. Just be real.

Don’t assume that, just because your child is asking you about sex, contraception, or dating, that they are sexually active or have a boyfriend/girlfriend.

Telling your child not to have sex is not enough. Explain why you believe that delaying sex until they are older is the right choice.

Don’t give up. Even if your child stonewalls you or appears uninterested in (or horrified by) these conversations, it’s your job as their parent to keep talking. Trust us—it makes a difference.

As children get older many parents believe their child would like to spend more time with their friends, watching Netflix, or texting instead of talking. However, research proves the opposite. It is very important to take advantage of school holiday breaks to invest in your teenager. Here are a few things you may not know about the benefits of spending time with your teen. Talking with your children helps their grades. If grades are important to you than you need to spend more time talking with your child. It's proven parents who communicate regularly with their children do better academically. Put the iPhone down and invest in a conversation. Eating dinner together lowers risk of violence in your teen. This doesn't have to be a “Christmas Dinner” every night. The pressures of two income households and single parent families make this table dinner difficult, but not impossible. The plates can be paper. The meal can be sandwiches. The cups do not have to match. It's about the people around the table engaging in a meaningful conversation. This is especially important in single parent households. Even if it's fast food...eat it together!Teens who have parents present are less hostile.Pass on the party. They need you. Holiday parties for the office, church, volunteer committees, school events, concerts, and other holiday obligations can leave families reeling from December to January. There is no rule saying you have to attend every party and family function. This can lead to many nights of teenagers home alone and unsupervised. Teenagers who spend more time alone are more likely to become hostile. They might act like they don't want to spend time with you, but trust me because THEY DO! Your time spent with them now will emotionally pay off in dividends. It can be very easy to get lost in the hustle bustle of the holiday, but this week look for ways to engage your teen in conversation. Make sure you make an effort to eat together even if it's in the car on the go. Please do not forget your teen needs your supervision, your conversation, and your engagement in the time you are spending with them. Make this holiday break the best yet!

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A Positive Approach to Teen Health (P.A.T.H) is a 501(c)3 organization that reaches seven counties throughout Northwest Indiana. Since 1993, A Positive Approach to Teen Health has been working to empower teens to make healthy choices regarding drugs, sex, alcohol, and violence.